Material-handling apparatus and control therefor



March 9, 1954 E. P. BULLARDIII *12,671,861

MATERIAL-HANDLING APPARATUS AND CONTROL THEREFOR v4- Sheets-Sheet l Filed July 9, 1949 /NL/ENToR Ezvwfmn R BL/LLHRDJE G f f7 Tann/EY March 9, 1954 E, P, BULLARDJIL 2,671,861`

MATERIAL-'HANDLING APPARATUS AND'CONTROL THEREF'OR 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 9, 1949 a# STATIUN STOF SWITCHES (CDN, INU, PLATINO TANK SDLIENDIDE oo o ooo oo o ooo o oo o ob o o o o oo oo oo oo o o 0.0.00 ooo ooo oo oooo o o oo o o ooo ooo o o o o oo oo o ooo o o o ooo oo o ooo o oo o oo oo o ooo oo ooo oo ooo.

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4 Sheets-Sheet 3 FRI.

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March 9, 1954 E. RBULLARDJII 2,671,861

MATERIAL-HANDLING APPARATUS AND CONTROL THEREFOR B11 FLAT? PLATE PLATE PLATE 'PLATE PLATE DRAC-r CDLD I RINEE WATER WATER l l Rl NSE R| NSE I I BU l l EFE B7 B4 B3 B2 B1,

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STAT/UNS Furuwmtnnw lNVENToR. .EDWARD P, E ULL ARDJZZ H7' URNEY P fCW Patented Mar. 9, 195.4

MA'lERIAIji-HANDLING AliP.ARAITUSy AND CONTROL THEREFOR Edward BalBullard Ill, Fairield., 001,111.,V assigner Bullard' Company, a comunicanti/T911,-

Appljicationluly; 1949; Serial-No, 103,823

(Cl. V- 115) 9A Claims.- 1i

This invention relates to. materialfhandlng apparatus, and"l particularly'to a new and improved. conveyor and control therefor.; Although the principles of that portion of the invention relating tothe control areapplicable-to'any apparatus wherein a cyclel of4` sequential functions is to be performed, itv will: be' shown andl described as applied tomaterial-handling apparatus of the conveyor type..

An object of this invention is to provi-de an apparatus capable of a great number of different functions', and a control for the` apparatus which will automatically cause the apparatustoperform anyl of the-functions in a cycle oi" operations.

Other objects include` the provision of amater-iai conveying apparatus wherein there is combined hoisting' conveyor' mechanism and independent translating` conveyor mechanism so controlled that their functions jointly serve. to

provide an extremely versatile material-handling apparatus; the provision of` such apparatus in which independently controlled hoisting mechanism isprovidedat eachA of a plurality oi? stations between Which work is to be transferred,

and an endless beltconveyor is providedA to cooperate with the hoisting; mechanism to eff-ect the desired transfer o f work; theV provision ot such an apparatus in, which Work can be transferred from anyone ory more suchstations and regardless ofwhetherthere is work at said other stations; the provisionofL an automaticA control for any apparatus capable ofv producing a series of operations in sequence in whi'clsr a master control can be pre-sety to cause the apparatus to produce any series ofoperations of which the apparatus is capable and other pre-settable control structure is provided that will vary any of the functions of the master control in succeeding series of operations controlled by it; theV provision of an automatic control wherein a series of sequential operations can be modiied each time the series is performed' so as to produce a cycle of operations involving a plurality of series of operations in each of? which one or more operations may be modified-f; and the provision of a material-.handling system involving anendless belt conveyor, hoists at a plural-ity of stations in cooperating relation with the endless belt, and a combined automatic, semi-automatic and manual control for causing sa-idhoists and conveyor to transfer Work between any` of the plurality of stationsindependently of" all others, and regardless ofv whether there is work at the othery stations;

The above, as wellas other objects and novel features of ther` invention will. become apparent from the following specication and accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 isa top. plan View of material-hand.-V ling apparatus to which the principles of the invention have been applied;

Fig 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatusshown in Fig. 1;

Fig, 3 is a developed disclosure of part` ofthe control mechanism for the. apparatus shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. d is the electrical diagram forthe control mechanism of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showingthe plurality of stations of Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 6 is a disclosure of the panel board for manual control of the apparatus; and

Fig. '7l is a diagram of part of the cycle ofoperations.

Although the principles of the invention may be applied with equal facility to any apparatus capable of producing a pluralityoffunctions in sequence, ity is shown and will be described as applied to an apparatus for treating Work.` prior to, during, and after a plating operation.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2y and 5,` twenty-two stations numbered I to 22, inclusive, are arranged in a horizontall plane over which an endless belt conveyor C is adaptedy to pass. ATanks T are located at each station except stations l, l, Il, 2l and 2v2. Station IV is the loading station, while stations le, li, 2-1 and 2-2 are idle stations at which no treatment of the worlf:l takes place.

Hoists H (Fig. 2 are located at each station, except the idle stations above mentioned, for raising and lowering barrels B that hold the Work to be treated, V

A control mechanism GL (Fig. 3) is provided for causing the sequential operation ofthe conveyor C and the hoists H, to transfer barrels l from certain tanks T to other predetermined tanks in a predetermined cycle Oif. Qneatins.-

SftaiOnS i 17.0 Q IICUSVQ are ill 51.330.631. @lished relation with stations E5 to l2, respectively Each of these stations, except l, has a tankA'T of generally rectangular Construction and formed in a manner to contain the bath to which the work in barrels B is to` be, .subies-tednach tank. T is providedl with supporting mocks ai at" the ends thereof in aligned relation. The blocks 24' include V-slots 25 adapted to receive a l*pair of parallel supporting rods -26 associated the barrels B.

The hoists at .eachstation, except It, il, 2l

and 22, are identical and only one will specifically be described. Pairs of guide rods 21 extend between supports 28 on opposite ends of the tanks T and a super structure 29 overlying all of the tanks T. C-shaped slides 30 ride on the guide rods 21 and are adapted to engage extended end portions of lift rods 3| located above the supporting rods 26. Each slide 36 is provided with a cable 32 that extends upwardly through the super structure 29 and is attached to one end of a rotatable shaft 33 journaled in bearings 34 on the upper side of the structure 29. The one end of each shaft 33 is provided with a toothed clutch 35 adapted to mesh with a mating portion 36 located between aligned shafts 33 of aligned stations, such as 3 and |8. An electro-magnet 31 is provided at the end of each shaft 33 opposite its clutch end, and a spring 38 between bearing 34 and a collar 39 normally urges shaft 33 in a direction to disengage clutch 35, 38. Each of the clutch portions 36 between aligned stations is driven by a common drive shaft 40 through a worm 4| and a worm gear 42. The shaft 40 is driven from a motor (not shown), a belt 43 and pulley 44. Energization of any one or more of the solenoids 31 causes the respective shafts 33 to be shifted, engaging clutches 35, 36 and thereby causing slides 30 to be raised or lowered depending upon the direction of rotation of the shaft 40.

Y The barrels B may be of any desired design, and even may be individual racks for supporting the work to be treated. In the embodiment shown, the barrels B are rotatable and are journaled in the lower end of T-shaped supports 45. The upper horizontal portions of these supports locate the two pairs of parallel spaced rods 26 and 3|. The rods 26 are adapted to register with the Vs 25 in the blocks 24; while the .rods 3| are adapted to seat within the Vs in the hoist slides 30. In order to provide rotation of the barrels B at all times, except while moving from station to station, a motor and reduction gear unit 48 is fxed to one of each pair of slides 30 at all stations except station there being no hoist devices at stations lll, 2| and 22.

A drive shaft 49 of the unit 48 is provided with a spur gear 56 that meshes with one of an idle cluster 5|, the other of which cluster meshes with an idler gear 52 journaled on rod 26. Gear 52 meshes with a drive gear 53 keyed to the trunnion -54 of barrel B. The construction is such that whenever the barrel B is supported through the rods 3| by the slides 38, gears 58 and 5| are in mesh and motor 48 rotates the barrel B. The motors 48 are provided with exible conduits to permit their continuous operation regardless of the elevation of the slides 30.

The endless belt conveyor C comprises in the present embodiment a cable 55 that passes around four grooved pulleys 56, 51, 58 and 59 located in a horizontal plane just below the super structure 29. The pulleys 56 and 51 are fixed to worm gears 68 and 6|, respectively, which mesh with worms 62, 63, keyed to a drive shaft 64. One end of shaft 64 has keyed to it a drive pulley `66 driven through a belt 61 by an electric motor (not shown). At equally-spaced intervals about the cable 55, hooks 68 are attached. The spacing of the hooks 68 is equal to that of the stations to 22. Each hook 6B comprises a trolley wheel 69 adapted to ride on a track 1|) attached to the under-side of the structure 29 and following the path of the belt 55. Hooks 68 include a horizontally-arranged arm 1| 4 that is provided with a nose 12 to retain rods 3| when they are deposited upon the arm 1 The control mechanism CL, shown in developed form in Fig. 3, comprises a master drum 13 adapted to be indexed about a horizontal axis 14 in a step-by-step fashion by a Geneva stop mechanism 15 that ispowered by a motor 16. The master drum includes a plurality of portions, in the present instance numbered 0 to 8, each of which embodies a series of apertures 11 in aligned relation parallel to the axis of rotation of drum 13. Switch-closing dogs 18 are adapted to be fastened to drum 13 in selected relation to cause the apparatus previously described to produce a plurality of functions in sequence. The series of operations performed by the apparatus in accordance with the setting of the master drum 13 is adapted to be modified by the pre-setting of a primary drum 19 which is similar to drum 13. The primary drum 19 is shown in two parts geared together by spur gears 86, 8| and 82. Each part includes portions 0 to ll, and each portion includes a plurality of aligned apertures parallel to the axis of rotation of the respective part.

One of the modifications of the series of operations of the master drum 13,. in the present embodiment, is effected by the switches PBI to PBI which are wired in series arrangement with corresponding switches BI to B|| located at stations to (Fig. 5) for the purpose of stopping the belt conveyor at any predetermined station to 22. Only eleven PB switches are required since two master trolley switch operators 83, 83' are arranged equi-distant on the endless belt 55. Accordingly, when master trolley 83 is at station master trolley 83 is at station So, a master trolley will always be in position to stop the conveyor at any of the twenty-two stations while employing only eleven switches. Only one PB and one B switch is shown in the diagram of Fig. 4 for clarity. Actually there are eleven PB switches in parallel and eleven B switches in parallel.

Another modification of the cycle of the master drum is effected by switches PS| to PS1 and PS|8 to PC20, both inclusive, which switches energize selected solenoids 31 for engaging predetermined clutches 35, 36. In Fig. 4, only one PS switch is shown for clarity, although there are actually ten such switches in parallel. The PTU to PT|| switches of the primary drum are employed to determine the time limit between successive complete revolutions of the master drum 13. In Fig. 4, only two PT switches are shown for clarity. The remaining switches associated with the primary drum 19 are for purposes to be described later. Y

The combination of the master drum and primary drum produces a cycle of operations of the conveyor apparatus in which for each of the twelve positions of the primary 19, the master drum 13 indexes from position 0 to 8, back to 0 again. And, in each rotation of the master drum 13 predetermined barrels B at predetermined stations of the apparatus are moved to predetermined other stations of the apparatus.

Should it be desired tc modify any of the operations of the apparatus caused by the pre-setting of the PB or PS switches of the primary drum 19 to produce a still larger cycle of operations than that described, say, for example, one which involves such a, modification for each succeeding revolution of the primary drum 19, a secondary drum 84 may be employed that is similar to the primary drum 19. The SBI to SBII switches amasar oidrum f1.4 are in naral-1tl.v withiheBBI t0 .BBI-1 switches; while. the. SS. switches. 8 9 I2., I3., L4, I5, IB and ITenergize.selectedsolenoidsl in.the same manner that.l the switches: of drumI 19 energize-:selected other solenoids 37;.` In. thedia= grain et. Fig. 4i: only oneSBand. oneSS switch is showny for. clarity, although there. are.. actually eleven SB switches in parallel', and eight. SS switches in parallel.

In the present embodiment-a. cycle or operar tions requiring the. secondary drum 81|v will be described inwhich. the 4modiicationof` the oper-ations set upon the. prirriary. drum 'I9l includes transferring work` betweentanlgsj 'E atstations, 3,12; I3, I4,v I5, Iii-and. I1.

Qf; course, it-is entirelywithin the scopelof this invention to employ any number. ofw additional drumssuchas drumfmto'still furtherv modify and enlarge the desired; cycle or operations. For example1 a tertiary drum may be employed. that could modify one. ormorel operations set up` on theprimary andl secondary. It is obvious, therefore, that any cycle of operations can becontrolled. regardless of the number of independent operations therein, and that thel number of controllable operationsincreases as. the squarek with each additional control drum similar to 84;

The electrical` portion of the control CL can best be understood from a description of an exact cycle of operations of the apparatus set up on the drums 1131, '|9Vv and 84; Let vit be assumed that a continuous cycle of" operations is desired in the electroplating ot wor-k carried in the barrels B asfollows-t f Time'. Station No. Treatment (Minutes) 1 .Load and Unload 2 Alkali 4 3 2 4 2 4 1n order to maintain a continuous cycleof operations as above outlined, itv is. evidentv that work must be transferred from one station to the next adjacent, say from stations If, 2,3, 4; 5, E, I8, I9 andV 20. to stations.2,.3, 4, 5; 6, 1, |.9, 20 and 2|, respectively; and, from one station to other stations. at varying distances such as from stations 1 to 8.1; 'I tot; 'I to I2, etc. The rst oithese-operations can easily be accomplished bythe master drum 'i3 andv primary drum. 1.9;` whilethelatter require the interaction of the secondary drum 84.

At. the beginning of the.v cycle tobe illustrated, an empty barrel B is placedinthe tanks T at stations 4, 8, 9, I2,y I3, I4, I5, |.6. |'I` and- I8; one isattached to. the conveyor C at station 2|-, and a barrel at, the loadingv station l is filled with work. Referring to. Fig.M 4.-, thenumbers on the left and. the lettersy at4 the top will be employed in. parentheses throughout the. following text to assist in locating the variouscornponents.

across the line? time fon nurnoscsrof.. smrlity- The circles; shown. in Eig. 4. represent. the..- coils ot relayathe short spacedparallel' lines. represent normally open switches.. and the short.. parallel spaced. lines. with a diagonal line therethrough represent' normally` closed. switches.` The.l desigfnation inthe circles correspond. tov similar-designations` or certainofthe switches When. a-.cin- .cuit is established.` through one of the circular relays,. all switches having.v the samev designation are caused to operate. Thus, .energization of. the relay. CB2. (LA) will cause. the. opening of GRZ switch. ('i,.,B).-; theclosing of-.CR.2I switch`l (LEM andtheoperation ot. all otherCRZ switches; with, in the circuit.

With master trolley 83. (Fig. 5.) atthe loading station, and switch SA-S. (40, K) in. Auto (Fig. fr), RS switch (2913). open and relay (lift-RSy (20, A) is; de-energized. Accordingly, @Rf-.RS switch (I-2,.E) is closed and timer clutch relays and 2 (i3, I2, A). aref energizedwhich closes TMS switch (2|, E). This, energizes, the timer.l motors I and. 2, 624i 22, A9.. Timer I'. has circuits ifi-5; while timer 2l has circuits (ie-Hz. Each circuit can be set for. the duration of. a treatment in. the process; Since the; Iiycircuit for timer I- is; thev first tothe energized;I TMO switch (23, G). closes. PTO-switch (23, E). isvclosed by adog, at position 0 of' theprimarydrum' '19; (Figi. 3.), and switch. MS('O)(I.3, I) and switch MO (2313) are closed. by dogs. at position 0; o f-v the master drum 73. Accordinglnmotor MM5. (emit) is energized, indexingA the 'master drum '13, to position 1. This indexing.; closes Switch: M12

' (3e, J) (Fig, 3), holding energized, af-.ter

switclr MO (NLB). opens due-teind'exing of mas@ ter drum 'I3 from: its Oposition. Although'. there areten PT and ten TM' switches numbered 0*-1'0 respectively, only two4 of eachv are showninA Fig; 4 f0.1; clarity.

AtV position. 1 of masterrdrum 753;, a dog. closes MCH) switch (I8, G), therebyy energizing CRS relay (IE, A) since-a dog at position 0: on the primary l closes` PSI switch- (I6, G). Energizing CRS relay closes CRS switch. ('IlLH thereby e11- ergizingl motor (.I'I,y A), Energizing. SM (II, A) indexes thev secondary' drum 84:- to its position 1. However, position- 1 of the. secondary drinn.Y is not activeuntil position 5: of, the.A primary 'isf is. reached, as willV be described. later.

Closing; MCH) switch (|58, G) also; energizes relay CRP (I3, A) which. closes switch` GRP I(Iii, Gf) starting' the; primaryfmot-or PMT (I5, A): which indexes thc primary drum 19; to position 1. Also, energization of relay: CRP closes CRPY switch (I1, F) which. holds relay` CRS energized.. as the master drum 'I3 indexes; to: its position 2,A and before the primary i8- indexes to its position l.

Referring 'to Fig. 7 inv which. a small. portion of the cycle of operations: is shown. diagrammatically, the abscissa. represents time in: minutes, whilethe ordinate axis. represents. stations. This diagram will facilitate an under--v standing of the relation of the various. operations. toeachl other in thecycle.

Position 1 of the; primary is to he set; teV cause.rv transferring of the loaded barrel B" at station to station 2'; the empty barrel: at station 4; ta station 5; the empty barrel; at station I3' to station- I9; and the empty barrel at station 2| to.- stationA 22. Accordingly, dogs are.I attached to the primary drum at itsl position 1'- to close'.v switchesV PSI., PSL, PS4, PS5, PSIB and PSN (l, F). As set. forth before, only one-PS switch;

The electrical. circuit showniin. Eig. 4 is of the 7,5. is. shownfor clarity. Actually,.- inv the. present embodiment there are ten PS switches in parallel numbered PSI, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5, PS6, PS1, PSI8, PS|9 and PS20 (see Fig. 3). There are no switches PS2| and PS22 since there are no tanks or hoists at these stations. Closing of switches PSI, PS2, PS4, PS5, PSI8 and PSI9 ('I, F) would energize the solenoids 31 (1, A, Fig. 4) that cause engagement of the hoist clutches 35, 36 for stations I, 2, 4, 5, I8 and I8, except that switch DI (4, J) is open when all the hoists are down, or in their lower positions.

A dog at position 1 of the master drum 13 closes switch MI (28, D)l causing motor MM '(30, A) to be energized, thereby indexing master drum 13 to position 2, Of course, M I2 (38, J) closes again to complete the index. At position 2 of the master drum, a dog closes MU(2, 6) switch (34, J) energizing CRU relay (34, A) which in turn closes CRU switches 85 in the line for the hoist motor 86, causing the hoist motor to rotate thereby driving belt 43, pulley 44, shaft 48 and a cam 81 that closes DI switch (4, J). Closing DI switch energizes CRI relay (4, A) which in turn closes CRI switch (8, J) and holding-switch CRI (4, E). Closing CRI switch (8, J) passes current through the PSI, PS2, PS4, PS5, PSI8 and PSIS switches, causing the hoist clutches 35, 36 at stations I, 2, 4, 5, I8 and I9 to engage. The hoists H at these stations then rise. The cam 81 is rotated by a worm gear 88 that is driven by a worm on shaft 4|). At the top of the hoist movement, switch U (33, F) closes and switch U (34, D) opens. Referring to Fig. l, a cam 88 is pre-set and driven by worm gear 88 so that at the top of the travel of hoists H, switches U are simultaneously operated. Opening switch U (34, D) de-energizes relay CRU (34, A) which in turn opens switches CRU 85 in the hoist motor circuit, stopping the upward movement of the hoists H at stations I, 2, 4, 5, I8 and I9. Closing switch U (33, F) energizes motor MM (30, A) since M(2, 6) switch (3|, F) and MU(2, 6) switch (34, J) are closed by dogs at position 2 of the master drum 13. Accordingly, the master drum is indexed to position 3.

MF(3, switch (38, I) is closed by a dog at position 3 of the master drum, energizing CRF relay (39, A) which in turn closes CRF switches 81 in the circuit for the conveyor motor 88', causing it to move the conveyor C forwardly until switch F (25, I) closes. Switch F (Fig. 5) is so located that it stops the conveyor C when the hooks 66 are in position to receive rods 3| upon the partial lowering of hoists H.

Switch M3 (28, D) is closed by a dog at position 3 of the master drum 13 so that when switch F (25, I) closes, relay CRA (21, A) is energized opening the CRA switches 89 in the main circuit, stopping the conveyor motor 86. Also master motor MM (30, A) is energized indexing the master drum 13 to position 4.

MD(4, 8) switch (32, J) closes by a dog at position 4 of the master drum 13, energizing relay CRD (32, A) which in turn closes CRD switches 90 in the circuit for the hoist motor 86, causing the hoists H at stations I, 2, 4, 5, I8 and I9 to lower until switch E (26, I) closes. Since switch M4(28, F) is closed by a dog at position 4 of the master drum 13, relay CRA (26, A) is energized when switch E (26, I) closes. Energizing CRA relay opens the CRA switches 89 in the main circuit, stopping the hoist motor 86 with the hoists low enough to have deposited the barrels B from stations I, V4 and I8 onto the conveyor hooks 68 at each of said stations, there 8 being `no barrels on hoists 2, 5 and I9. These hoists remain in this partial down position until a later period to be described.

Closing of the E switch (26, I) also energizes motor MM (30, A) since switch M4 (28, F) is closed by a dog at position 4 of the master drum 13. Accordingly, the master drum indexes to position 5.

MF(3, 5) switch (39, I) closes by a dog at position 5 of the master drum 13, energizing relay CRF (39, A) which in turn closes CRF switches 81 in the circuit for the conveyor motor 88', causing the conveyor C to move forwardly carrying the barrels at stations I, 4, I8 and 2| to stations 2, 5, I3 and 22, respectively, until the B2 switch (21, H) at station 2 closes. In Fig. 4 only one B switch (21, H) is shown for clarity. Actually there are eleven such switches in parallel, identied as BI to BII, inclusive (see Fig. 5). Since the PE2 switch (28, J) for station 2 is closed by a dog on the primary drum 19 at its position 1, and M5 switch (28, G) is closed by a clog at position 5 of the master drum 13, CRA relay (21, A) is energized, opening CRA switches 8S and stopping the conveyor motor 88. This circuit also energizes MM, indexing the master drum 13 to position l6.

MU(2, 6) switch (34, I) closes by a dog at position 6 of the master drum 13, energizing relay CRU (34, A) causing CRU switches 85 to close, starting the hoist motor 86 which raises the hoists H at stations I, 2, 4, 5, I8 and I8 from their partial down positions to their upper positions. This lifts the barrels B off the conveyor hooks 68 at stations 2, 5 and I9, but not at 22 since there is no hoist at that station. At the top of this upward hoist movement, switch U (34, D) opens, de-enegrizing CRU relay (34, A) which in turn opens CRU switches 85 to stop the hoists. Also, at the top of hoist travel, U switch (33, F) closes, and since M(2, 6) switch (3|, F) is closed by a dog at position 6 of master drum13, motor MM is energized, indexing the master drum to position 7.

A dog at position 1 of the master drum 13 closes MR(1) switch (36, I), energizing CRR relay 36, A) which in turn closes CRR switches 9| in the conveyor motor circuit, causing the conveyor to reverse until switch R (36, D) opens and switch R (35, E) closes. The R switches (Fig. 5) are so located that they stop the conveyor C when the hooks 68 have cleared the barrels B. Opening switch R (36, D) de-energizes relay CRR (36, A) causing CRR switches 8| in the conveyor motor circuit to open, thereby stopping the conveyor C. Closing R switch (35, E) causes master motor MM (30, A) to be energized since M(1) switch (3|, E) is closed by a dog at position 7 of master drum 13. Accordingly, the master drum indexes to position 8.

MD(4, 8) switch (32, J) is closed by a dog at position 8 of the master drum 13, energizing CRD relay (32, A) which in turn closes CRD switches 98 in the hoist motor circuit, causing the hoists H at stations I, 2, 4, 5, I8 and I8 to lower, depositing the barrels B in the tanks at stations 2, 5 and I9. When the hoists have deposited the barrels B in the tanks T, switch D (32, D) opens and switch D (3|, H) closes. Opening switch D (92, D) de-energizes CRD relay (32, A), opening switches CRD 90 thereby stopping the hoist motor 86. Closing switch D (3|, H) energizes MM (30, A) since MD(4, 8) switch (32, J) and M8 switch (3 I, H) are closed by dogs at position 8 of master drum 13. Accordingly, master drum 9 'I3 Aindexes 'to its position 0 again, ready to ystart a new series of the eight positions of 'drums "|3.

Referring to Fig. "7, the "above operations yconsumed yapproximately twelve seconds. The apparatus is then inactive 'for four minutes 'after the barrels Aare deposited rin vthe `tanks at stations 2, and i9, at which time the #1 circuit of timer motor 24, A) is energized, closing the TMI lswitchlZZ, G). Since MSW) switch (I3 ,"I) and MO switch (28, B) are :closedby dogs at jposition 0 of the master 'drum T3 and switch PTI is closed by a dog at position 1 of the primary drum 1S, motor MM (3D, A) is energiZedindeXingthe master drum tojposition v1. In the same way that `the primary drum was indexed to position 1 `when the master drum 'I3 indexed to its `position .l at 'the beginning ofthe cycle, the primary drumnow vindexes to position 2. However, the secondary remains at its Vposition `l since vswitch `PSI (it, C) is open.

Referring to Fig. 7, it isseen thatiaposition'Z of the primary, Ythe work-loaded barrel in the tank vat station 2 is 'to :be transferred to station 3 andthe empty barrelsat '5, ,ILS Vand 22 -are .to Lbe transferred to stations '6, 2U and NI respectively. Accordingly, 'there `are dogs `at position 2 :of .the primary 1B that close switches PSI, `P'S2, PS3, PS5, PS6, PS'IB and P825. Also, .there is a .dog closing `switch .PBS (25, I) since the master 'trolley is now at stati'onZ, 'and 'the desired transfer distance is that .between two adjacent stations. Closing .of these switches, vexcept PBS, when the primary Yis at position 2 and Ithe hoist motor 8,8 running, energizes the soledoids that .engage `the hoist clutches for the hoists at stations 1,23, 5,6, *I9 and 2B. Automatically, 'themaster drum 13 indexes successively through its eight ,positions back to position .0 .in the .identicalrnanner as described above, causing Vthe loaded barrel at station 2 to :be transferred to `station i3, and empty'barrels at stations 45, I9 and"22 to'be transferred'to stations 6,529 .and JI, respectively.

'Two minutes after these barrels 'have been deposited at stations "3, i6, 2D and .I V(see Eig. ,7), the #2 oircuit'of timer .motor `I j is energized, closing the TME switch (22,?) vandthe setting ,of -the third position of the primary ylis initiated which involves the .transferring `of the empty barrel atstation 6 to station 1. Again, the master drum 13 indexes to ,position 1 andthe primary .drum to .position while lthe secondary remains at ,position 1. At position v3 o`f the primary, `dogs are located in 4position 'to closeswitchI-PBA (28, J) since the master .trolley is .now at station3 and the 'transfer distance lis again one station. lIn the usual way, the master drum indexes through its .eight positions back to `0, thereby .transferringthe empty barrel at .station 6 to :station J.

One minute after the barrel .is .deposited in the tank at -station i1, the .#3 .circuit `of timer motor i is energized, closing IM3switch- (2L-F) and the -fourth position ,of `the .primary becomes effective which involves the transferring .of Athe full .barrel Aat Ystation .3 .to :station i4, .and .the empty one at station 2@ to station .2| (-Fig. 7). Again, 'the master ,drum .73 indexes to position 1 `and the ,primarytdrurn .19 .to position ra, while the4 secondary drum C84 .remains Iat its` position .'1. At position 4 of the primary,.dogsarelocated .in position to :close switches PS3, yPS!! and PE21?. Thereisno'hoist at station 2 i. Afdogiszalsoflocated .at position i of .the primary .1.9 ,in ,position to close switch P155 (23, J) 4since themasteratrolley is now at station 4. .Inthe .usual Way, the master drum T3 again indexes through its eight positions back to 0, thereby transferring the full barrel at station 3 to station Land the empty barrel at station 2!) to station 2'I (Figui).

Immediately, the #4 circuit of the timer Amotor I is energized and the master drum begins its cycle, indexing the primary to position 5 which involves the transfer of 'the empty barrel in `the tank at station i? to station t8. While this involves a single station transfer of Ithe conveyor for position 5 of the primary 'i9 during its rst revolution, position 5 for the next succeeding revolution of the primary 'I9 involves moving a barrel from station t to station I8; land position 5 for `each additional revolution of the primary 'it involves a variable extent of conveyor travel (see Fig. 7). Accordingly, Vit fis necessary to employ the secondary drum '84 in conjunction with the primary i9 for this phase of the operating cycle. A dogis located at-position 1 of the secondary so that it closes switch Sli (B, F). Since there is only `one unit of conveyor movement between stations II and i8, a dog is plaoedat position 1 of the secondarys as to close switch SB (2l, 1') since Vthe ,master trolley is at station 5. Furthermore, dogs are attached to the primary drum 19 at its position 5to close switches PSS (t, F) andPSB (26, Jr); and a dog is attached to this lposition closing switch PSI@ (l, F) since the v18th tank istoreceive the barrel from station Il.

When the master drum "I3 indexes ',to position 2 Vfor the position 5 of theprimary 19, .the `hoists at stations I7 and I8 rise. 'Continued nperation of the master drum 13 to its position 5 .is the same as before described. At `position 5 of the master for the fifth position of the primary, CRA relay (265, A) is energized because oneof the master trolleys onthe conveyor closes switchBS (2l, H) switch SBI (2i, I) isclosedby adog at position l ofthe secondary; PSB switch C21, J.) is closed by a dog at position 5 of 'thelprimary and switch M5 (28, G) is closed by a dog at position 5 of the master drum. This circuit not Aonly opens CRA switches 39', stopping the conveyor motor 83', but also energizes MM (3Q, A) indexing Ythe master drum 13 to position 6'. 'The master drum i3 continues through its .positions 6, "Tand Sto 0- as previously described, `thereby depositing -the barrel 'from station `I'l into the 'tank at station |18.

`Inunediately,the #5 circuit of'timer motor] is energized and the master drum 'I3 begins ,fits cycle, indexing the primary '.119 to vposition `6 which involves ltransferring the .empty barrel .at station 'l 'to lthe tank at station I1. At ,position 1 of the secondary .84, a dog is already located to close the SS I'I switch (the switch for the hoist clutch of station Il) which was .used with position 5 -of theprimary A'19. It is again used withposition 6 of ,theprimary since .the barrel from station 'I is'tobetransferred to station 11. The primary 'i9 Vat position also includesia dos in position 'to close switch BBE, .as .will .be ;described later, and dogs `in lposition to .close PS1 switch 1, F) andiPSB switch (2?, .1). As the master drum i3 indexes from its position -l--to its ,position 5, the proeedureisas.previouslyidescribed. .At position i5 o'f the -masterdrum ..13

.forposition of the primary drum .lfrelay-.CRA

(26, A) is energized v through .the same `,circuit established by the fifth position lof the master drum 213 "forthe ifthposition of the primary f1.9. The masterdrum `13 then continues to index until :it ,reaches its zero position when =the ibarrel :at

station 'i will have been deposited at station I'I.

l1 This barrel B remains at station I1 for 72 minutes, the plating time, after which it is transferred through stations I8 to 22 as described.

A dog at position 6 of the primary 1s also closes switch PCI (I3, H) and opens switch PCI (I2, J). However, since the primary drum 19 does not index to its position 6 until the master drum 13 is at its position 1, the opening and closing of the PCI switches is ineffective until the master clrum 13 again returns to its position at the completion of the operation of the primarys position 6. At this time, opening of PCI (I2, J) prevents indexing the master drum 13 to its position i; and closing of PCI (I3,H) energizes PM (I5, A) thereby indexing the primary 19 to position 7. .Dogs are located at positions 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the primary 19 closing switch PCI (I3, H) and holding open PCI switch (I2, J). Accordingly, the primary drum 19 continuously indexes to its position 0.

Also at position 7 of the primary drum 19, a dog is located closing switch PRS (28, G) which energizes relay CR-RS (2li, A) which opens CR--HS switch (I2, E), preventing the operation of the timer clutches I and 2, thereby stopping the timer motors I and 2 (24, 22, A). At the same time, CR-RS switch (I9, G) closes, holding the circuit for relay (2R-RS (23, A). When one ofthe master trolleys 83, S3 arrives at the loading station, it opens switch RS (28, E) de-energizing relay CR-RS (28, A) causing closing of CR-RS switch (I2, E) and this reenergizes the timer clutch relays I and 2 (I3, A; I2, B).

That which has been described involves six revolutions of the master drum 13, each of which is identical, one revolution of the primary drum 19, and only one index of the secondary drum 84. After a predetermined time interval (about one half minute, see Fig. 7), switch TMO (23, G) is closed and the master drum 13 indexes to position 1; the primary 19 indexes to its position 1; and the secondary indexes to its position 2, initiating the second series of operations in the cycle.

This second series of operations of the apparatus is identical with the first, except the fifth position of the primary i9 and second position of the secondary 84 transfer a barrel from station 8 to I8;` and the sixth position of the primary 19 transfers a barrel from station 1 to station 8 (see Fig. 7).

The third series of operations is identical with the first two except that the fifth position of the primary 19 and third position of the secondary 84 transfer a barrel from station 9 to I8; and the sixth position of the primary 19 transfers a barrel from station 1 to station 9 (see Fig. 7). The cycle continues such that in each succeeding series of operations, a barrel is transferred at each succeeding fifth position of the primary 19 and next higher position of the secondary 84, respectively, from station I2, I3, I4, I and I6 to station I8; and in each succeeding sixth position of the primary 19, from station 1 to stations I2, I3, I4, I5 and I6, respectively.

Although the sixth position of the primary 19 for its first revolution involves transferring the barrel at station 1 to station I1, and the sixth position of the primary for its succeeding revolutions involves transferring the barrel at station 'I to stations 8, 9, I0, II, etc., successively, yet a master trolley 83 or 83 will always be at station 5 after the completion of the operations at positions 5 and 6 of the primary 19 for each of its revolutions. For example, the master trolley moves from station 5 to station 6 for position 5 of the primary during its first revolution because the barrel at station I1 is moved to station I8. The sixth position of the primary during its first revolution involves moving the barrel from station 1 to station I1, a distance of ten stations. Counting I0 stations having B switches (Fig. 5) from station 6 brings a master trolley to station 5. During the second revolution of the primary 19, position 5 involves transferring the barrel at station 8 to station I8, a space of ten stations. Counting ten stations having B switches from station 5 (Fig. 5) brings a master trolley to station 4. However, the corresponding position 6 of the primary 19 involves moving the barrel from station 1 to station 8, a distance of 1 station. This brings a master trolley to station 5 again. This relation exists because there are half as many B switches as there are stations and twomaster trolleys.

17 to 13; 8 to 18; 9 to 18; etc., and 7 to 17; '1 to 8; 7 to 9; 'l to 12; etc., follow the equation XplusY=11, where X=variable movement to station I8, and Yzvariable movement from station 1. So, the movement required for each sixth position of the primary is equal to 11 minus that required for the corresponding fifth position. And, this always brings a master trolley to station 5 from which the next succeeding variable X movement is measured. For this reason, a dog is attached to the primary drum 19 at its sixth position in line with switch PB5. Accordingly,

' at position 6 of the primary for each of its revolutions, switch PB5 is closed. stopping the conveyor at the correct location to satisfy the cycle of operations.

After eight positions of the secondary 84 have been consumed, the cycle will have been completed involving eight positions of the secondary 84, each of which includes one complete revolution of the primary 19, or twelve positions. Each position of the primary requires nine positions of the master drum 13. Accordingly, the completed cycle involves 8 12 9=864 operations in the illustrated cycle. When the primary 19 completes its revolution for position 8 of the secondary, returning to its position 0, switch PSI (I6, C) again closes. At this point the master drum 13 is at position 0 and TMS switch (2I, E) closes, energizing timer motors I and 2 (24, 22, A), again re-starting the entire cycle by indexing the master drum to position 1, closing MC switch (I8, G), whereupon the secondary 84 indexes to its position 9. Functions 9, I0, I I and 0 of the secondary include dogs which close SCI switch (9, I) which continuously indexes the secondary drum 88 to its position 1 where it remains, as before, inactive until the fifth position of the primary drum 19.

While the previous description relates to the automatic operation of the apparatus, it is capable of semi-automatic as well as manual operation.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 6, with the SA3 switch (40, K) 1n Auto (Fig. 4) and with hand lever 92 (Fig. 6) in the Semi-auto position, SAI switch (29, K) closes and SAI switch (21, K) opens. Opening SAI switch (21, K) prevents the apparatus from operating automatically. Also,

Accordingly, the two variablel movements, i. e., those in moving barrels fromv aannam *18 the "master Atrolley "83 `vis Aat "station il. Switches HSS `and YI-ISI`3 'are fclosed. Referring to Fig 5, there areten'stations fromJB'to'i-S. Accordingly, counting ten from HB4 vWhere Athe master trolley is located showsth'atswitch HB3 '(lig. 6) is -tofbe closed since *there are only eleven'HB switches.

`Closing the Semi-auto Start switch (ze, 5) energizes MM y(30, 'A`) indexing `master drum 3 to'position c1'since-'a-dog'at positioni) of lfdrum 13 closes switch MO (28, 'C). nt position 1 Lof drum 13a dog closes switchMl '(28,'13), indexing said drum fto position 2. vAtposition12,'a"dog-'on drum'TB closes l'MU'(25,B) switch'34, J) ,energizing CRU relay ('34, A) This causes the VCRUswitches 85 `to close which energize the hoist motor gli causing it to rotate Iin a direction fto Araise `the hoists H. As motor 86 starts rotating, cam `'83! turns, closing switch'Dl (14, J) YClosing switch D'l energizes CRZ'relay ('2, A) vthrough SAI! switch (I, E). Energizing R32 relay` clcses'CR? switch (15J) as Well las holding-switch CH2 (2, E).

Closing CRZ switch '("l, J) passes current through'the HS3 and ``HSI3 switches causingthe c1utches35,`36forthe"hoists'l at stations Sand l3itobecome engaged, thereby raising the hoists at these stations. There are only'tWo'I-IS switches shown in Fig. '4 'for-clarity. Actuallythere are ten HS switches ('5, F) .in parallel; kand 'eightfHS switches (E, F) vin parallel.

'The lmaster drum T3 'then continues to yindex through its 'eight positionsback to `0 inthe usual mannerjthereby transferring vthe barrel at stations'3 to station I3.

Manual control of the apparatus `can be 'effecte'd by moving fswitch GA3 (lit, K) .to the dotted line position. By 'closing ithe switches HU (33, J) land :HD (3i, J),seleothoistsH-can bemade to raise or vlower 'depending upon `Ithe setting di the HS 4'su'ritohes Aon the panel board of Figt. Clcsingfi-IFfsWitch `(l', il) causesiforward movement/toithefendlessfbelt conveyor; and closing C35, 5J) causes 'rearward movement of the conveyor. Accordingly, it is evident that a barrel lat any ltank can *be moved 'to Ianother tank under rnaruial fcontrol .regardless of what is in the remaining tanks. It is only necessary for theoperator to release theHlT' .switch whenthe conveyoris atthe desired location. Thefull up and down movements of the hoists H and the reverse movement of'tlie conveyor C automatically terminate,

Although the various features oi ythe improved material-handling apparatus Yand control have been shown and described in detail to fully disclose one embodiment of the invention, it will be evident that numerous changes may be made in such details, and certain features may be used Without others, Without departing from the principles of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. In a control for an apparatus, the combination of master means including a plurality of portions; means adapted to be pre-set on said portions to cause said apparatus to produce a plurality of functions Yin sequence; a plurality of succeeding means, each including a plurality of portions; means adapted to be pre-set on said succeeding means portions to vary a function set up on a portion of said master means; electrical switches adapted to be operated by said pre-set means; and an electrical circuit including said switches and other electrical equipment for causing said apparatus to sequentially produce the functions determined by the pre-set condition of said master and succeeding means.

2. "Infa-fcontrol=for-an apparatus, thecombinationof-'master means' including a plurality of portions; `means adapted 'to be pre-Seton said portions -to cause I'said apparatus 4to produce 'a plurality of functions in sequence; a plurality of modifying means, *each including a plurality oi portions; means adapted yto be 'pre-set 'on said modifying means to vary a function set up on a 'portion of said'master means; Ameans Aresponsive to the completion of -eac'h function set up onsaid mastermeans'for rendering eiiectiveeach succeeding portion thereof; electrical switches adapted to be operated by fsaid 'pre-set means; means responsive tothe completion of all the functionsset'up onsaid `master means 1for rendering efective successive portions on 'the rst of said modifyingmeans; and means responsive to the 'completion of v'all the vfunctions set up on each ofthe modifying means to render eliective successive portions on each of the succeeding modifying means.

4Ina-control mianapparatus, the combination oi' master means including a'piurality oi'portions; meansadapte'dfto be pre-Seton said portions to cause said apparatus to produce a Vplurality 'of functions in sequence; means for rendering eiieotive each of 'said portions upon the completion of the operation ofthe last preceding portion; primary 'means includingfa plurality oi portions;rmeans adapted toibepre-set on the portions of said-primary:meanszto'avary 4a function setup onia `portion .ofsaid master means; secondary means including a Aplurality of portions; means :adapted to be pre-set ontheportions of u. said secondary meansltovvary'one-or more ofthe variable functions of Fsaid .primary means; 'electrical Iswitches adapted fto fbe Aoperated 'by said pre-set means; andan electrical circuit includingsaid switches "and other electrical equipment 4, for causing said 'apparatus to sequentially produce the function determined by rthe pre-set condition vof .said 'masten primary and secondary means.

e. Infa icon'trol for kan zapparatus, thezcombination of :master means including 5a plurality voi" portions; means :adapted to be pre-set on said portions to ficause said `apparatus Vto 'produce plurality-oi functions in sequence means-for rendering teifective each fof .said portions upon the completionfof .thefoperation of the last preceding portions; primary means including :a plurality of portions;:meansfadapted'tobe pre-set on the portions :of isaidprimary ameans to |vary :a function set up on a portion of the master means; secondary means including a plurality of portions; means adapted to be pre-set on the portions of said secondary means to vary one or more of the variable functions set up on the portions of said primary means; tertiary means including a plurality of portions; means adapted to be pre-set on the portions of said tertiary means to vary one or more of the variable functions set up on the portions of said primary or secondary means; electrical switches adapted to be operated by said pre-set means; and an electrical circuit including said switches and other electrical equipment for causing said apparatus to sequentially produce the functions determined by the pre-set condition of said master, primary, secondary and tertiary means.

5. In a control for an apparatus, the combination of master means including a plurality of portions; means adapted to be pre-set on said portions to cause said apparatus to produce a series of operations; means for rendering said portions effective successively upon the completion of the operation set up on the last preceding portion; primary means including a plurality of portions; means adapted to be pre-set cn the portions of said primary means to modify one or more operations within the series produced by the successive portions of said master means; means responsive to the completion of the series of operations incident to the setting of the portions of said master means for rendering effective successive of the portions of said primary means; electrical switches adapted to be operated by said pre-set means; and an electrical circuit including said switches and other electrical equipment for causing said apparatus to produce the operations in all the series of operations as set up on said master and primary means.

6. In a control for an apparatus, the combination of master means including a plurality'of portions; means adapted to be pre-set on said portions to cause said apparatus to produce a series of operations; means for rendering said portions effective successively upon the completion of the operation set up on the last preceding portion; primary means including a plurality of portions; means adapted to be pre-set on the portions of said primary means to modify one or more operations of the series produced by the setting of the portions of said master means; means responsive to the completion of the series of operations incident to the setting of the portions of said master means for rendering effective successive of the portions of said primary means; secondary means including a plurality of portions; means adapted to be pre-set on the portions of said secondary means tomodify one or more of the operations produced by the setting of the portions of said master means and said primary means; means for rendering effective successive of the portions of said secondary means upon the completion of the operations rendered effective by the master means and the primary means; electrical switches adapted to be operated by said pre-set means; and an electrical circuit including said switches and other electrical equipment for causing said apparatus to produce the operations in all the series of operations as set up on said master, primary and secondary means.

7. In a control for an apparatus, the combination of a master drum adapted to be indexed from station to station about its longitudinal axis; a Geneva stop mechanism for indexing said drum; series of holes parallel to the longitudinal axis, and peripherally arranged about said drum for selectively attaching switch-actuating dogs; a plurality of electrical switches `adapted selectively to be closed by said dogs as said drum is indexed from station to station to cause said apparatus to produce a plurality `of operations in sequence; a plurality o1' succeeding ,drums similar to said master drum and adapted to be pre-set to modify one or more operations caused by the setting of a preceding drum; and an electrical circuit including said switches and other electrical equipment for causing said apparatus to produce said operations and modified operations in sequence,

8. In a control for an apparatus, the combination of a master drum; switch-actuating means on said drum to cause said apparatus to produce a plurality of functions in sequence; a plurality of succeeding drums, similar to said master drum, each containing switch-actuating means adapted to modify a function caused by a setting of a preceding drum; electrical switches adapted to be operated by said switch-actuating means; and an electrical circuit including said switches and other electrical equipment for causing said apparatus to produce said functions in sequence,

thereby producing a complete series of operations and modified operations.

9. In a control for an apparatus, the combination of master means including a plurality of portions; switch-actuating means on said portions adapted to cause said apparatus` to produce a plurality of functions in sequence; a plurality of succeeding means, each including a plurality of portions; switch-actuating means on said succeeding means portions to vary a function set up on a portion of said master means; electrical switches adapted to be operated by said switch-actuating means; and an electrical circuit including said switches and other electrical equipment for causing said apparatus to produce the functions determined by the switch-actuating means i on said master and succeeding means.

EDWARD P. BULLARD III.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,725,635 Halvorson Aug. 20, 1929 1,781,792 Rodman Nov. 18, 1930 2,059,023 Parry Oct. 27, 1936 2,066,628 Larson Jan. 5, 1937 2,250,507 Thomas et al July 29, 1941 2,431,618 Rayburn Nov. 25, 1947 

